Decorative Driveway Gates
Handcrafted Just For You
by JDR Metal Art
Decorative Driveway Gates with Cedar Wood Infill:
Decorative Wrought Iron Gates with Scrolls & Balusters:
Are you in the market for a strikingly beautiful new set of decorative driveway gates for your home, ranch, farm or estate?
You’ve come to the right place because at JDR Metal Art we specialize in the custom design and creation of decorative driveway gates and we’ve served hundreds of totally satisfied customers nationwide!
Whether you need a single swing gate or a dual swing gate, and no matter the design; we’ve got you covered and we work with clients from practically anywhere and deliver or ship our decorative gate creations directly to the final destination.
Enjoy The Benefits of Decorative Driveway Gates
Decorative driveway gates give peace of mind to you, especially when coupled with an automatic gate opener. The gate owner gets to control who comes and goes, and when. New apps for smart phones allow the owner to open and close the gate from anywhere they can get a cellular or wi-fi signal on their phone.
Would-be thieves can be dissuaded from entering your property by the presence of a decorative driveway gate. They know that someone who has taken steps to secure the driveway entrance will also likely have taken steps to heighten security for what lies on the other side of the gates.
Often times vulnerable loved ones such as a elderly family member or a teen will be home alone. A driveway gate keeps the bad guys from being able to freely drive up to the home.
Decorative Gate Designs
The design aspect of decorative gates is what makes them so unique. An entrance is usually the first thing seen on arrival at your property. A personalized decorative gate design is a great opportunity to stand out from the crowd.
Each gate project begins simply with the customer’s idea. The selection of themes to choose from is limited only by imagination, which can be a bit overwhelming at first.
The design of course should fit the taste of the owners and the purpose of the property; whether it’s a horse farm, cattle ranch or a vacation retreat, etc.
There are nearly unlimited design possibilities; oftentimes the hardest part for the client is taking the step of making a decision as to exactly which theme they want to pursue!
Need a “Decorative Driveway Gate Installer Near Me”?
We’ve worked with dozens of driveway gate installers over the years. Here is our list of approved decorative driveway gate installers from across the U.S.
What are Decorative Driveway Gates made from?
Decorative driveway gates are still made from wood sometimes. However, metals remain the material of choice for constructing a long-lasting driveway gate.
Metals are much easier to maintain than wood. There are several metals that are commonly used for constructing decorative gates. The environment in the direct vicinity of the gate site is what most commonly determines which metal will be selected.
Steel or Iron Decorative Gates
Steel or iron is the most commonly used substrate. Susceptible to rust. A zinc rich base or prime coating on the steel followed with a high gloss powder coat will provide the best results for a rust-resistant finish.
Decorative driveway gates designed and fabricated by JDR Metal Art and installed by Overhead Door Company of Lexington, KY.
Corten Steel Decorative Gates
Corten steel is a steel/copper alloy used when a rusted finish is desired that will age to a brownish-purple color after several years of outdoor weathering. The patina seals itself and prevents future rust streaking..typically used over pavement, asphalt or concrete driveways.
Aluminum Decorative Gates
Any gate near an ocean or salty road would make sense to use aluminum as the base metal, especially a marine grade aluminum. Aluminum is less than half the weight of steel which makes the gates easier to install and easier for the electric gate openers to move.
Stainless Steel Decorative Gates
Stainless steel is one of the most expensive metals used to construct driveway gates. There are many different grades of stainless steel and the cheaper grades will still rust when exposed to the environment; the best grades are often cost prohibitive. It is rare to see gates constructed from stainless steel for this reason.
Maintaining Decorative Gates
Decorative gates often require some maintenance to keep in top working order.
Gate Hinges
Hinges are a crucial component of a functional decorative entry gate.
They must be kept greased every several months so the gates can swing freely without binding up.
The best gate hinges are the kind we build at JDR Metal Art; maintenence-free with permanently greased sealed bearings.
The hinges should have some adjustment built in to allow periodic adjustment and leveling of the gates. Ground can move over time, especially in frost-prone areas which cause the ground to “heave” as it contracts and expands.
Gate Openers
Decorative gate openers must be regularly maintained to comply with manufacturer safety guidelines.
If the gate openers are charged by solar panels they need to be kept free of snow, dust, dirt and debris that may accumulate on the panels.
The built-in safety devices such as, obstruction sensors, photo-eyes and/or ground loops should be tested to make sure they are functioning properly every 3 months.
Decorative Gate Safety Concerns
Driveway gates and pedestrians don’t mix well.
There are several building codes that apply to the creation of driveway gates to make them safer.
Gates should satisfy the requirements of UL325 and ASTM 2200 in order to be as safe as possible. These requirements reduce the likelihood of pinch points and entrapment zones.
Gate openers are designed to control vehicle access alone. They are not rated for pedestrian use. A separate walk gate should be used to eliminate the risk of pedestrian injury.
Children should in no circumstances be allowed to play in the area where the gate operates!
Which is the best finish for decorative gates? Paint vs. Powder Coat
Liquid Paint
Liquid paint is the traditional coating for decorative gates. There is typically a prime coat with rust inhibitors applied first followed by a top coat of enamel. Rustoleum is probably the most widely used paint finish.
The benefit of a paint finish is that it’s (typically) relatively cheap and doesn’t require much investment in equipment to apply: just an air compressor and a spray gun. Perhaps even just a paint brush or roller.
A scratched paint finish can be easily touched up with a paint brush.
The downsides of paints are that they have a long cure time, typically one week to one month or more until they achieve anything near the full potential properties.
Paints are difficult to evenly apply a protective exterior paint coating to highly decorative or dimensional elements; extreme attention must be taken to ensure such pieces are sprayed from all directions with several passes to ensure full coverage. All of course without getting any runs in the paint!
Paints require toxic solvents to be thinned and sprayed. As these solvents evaporate there are tiny pores left in the finish that allow moisture to penetrate the paints. If the metal is not fully cleaned and prepared properly the metal will rust underneath the paint causing it to flake off.
Liquid paints, with the exception of epoxies, do not build thickly. Liquid paints leave a thin coating compared to powder coat, often only than 20% as thick.
The VOC’s in paint are hazardous and therefore not environmentally friendly and it is a messy process to deal with them.
Compared to powder coat, paint is typically much more easily damaged because of the
Powder Coat
Powder coat is a form of dry paint. Technically it is paint resin in powder form.
The benefits of powder coating on ornamental driveway gates are easy and even application with electrostatic charging of the powder. Gates with many small, intricate details can be easily powder coated with relatively little effort with powder coating. The powder is given an electrostatic charge as it is carried from a fluidized hopper to the spray gun. The charged powder exits the gun seeking the part which is grounded. The charged powder then sticks to the decorative part as shown below.
Powder coating uses air rather than a solvent such as paint thinner or water to fluidize into a state where it can be applied. There are no toxic solvents or paint fumes involved with powder coating.
Powder coat cures with heat, not by evaporation of any solvents. Once the powder is applied the decorative part is then sent into an oven where it is baked at a set time and temperature – typically 10 minutes at 400 degrees part temperature. As soon as the part cools down the powder is fully cured into its full potential toughness.
A much thicker film can be built with powder coat when compared to paint. This means a thicker layer of protection against the elements.
Elevate Your Curb Appeal with Decorative Driveway Gates
In the realm of driveway gates, functionality meets aesthetics, and nothing exemplifies this better than decorative driveway gates. More than just barriers, these gates are a statement, transforming the entrance of your property into a work of art. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the world of decorative driveway gates, exploring the myriad styles, materials, and benefits that can elevate your home’s curb appeal.
Unveiling the Beauty: Styles of Decorative Driveway Gates
- Classic Elegance: Decorative driveway gates often feature classic designs that exude timeless elegance. Intricate scrollwork, finials, and arches contribute to a look that transcends trends.
- Contemporary Chic: For a more modern aesthetic, contemporary decorative gates may showcase clean lines, geometric patterns, and minimalist designs. These gates can complement the architectural style of modern homes.
- Nature-Inspired Artistry: Some decorative gates draw inspiration from nature, incorporating elements like leaves, vines, or floral motifs. These designs can bring a touch of the outdoors to your entrance.
Crafting Beauty: Materials for Decorative Gates
- Wrought Iron Wonders: Wrought iron remains a classic choice for decorative gates, offering durability and the ability to create intricate designs. Its strength ensures both security and aesthetic appeal.
- Wooden Masterpieces: Wood adds warmth and natural charm to decorative gates. Whether it’s cedar, redwood, or another hardwood, wooden gates can be crafted into stunning designs that stand out.
- Aluminum Allure: Lightweight yet durable, aluminum is another popular material for decorative driveway gates. It can be molded into various shapes and is resistant to rust, making it a low-maintenance option.
The Benefits of Choosing Decorative Driveway Gates
- Enhanced Curb Appeal: The primary advantage of decorative driveway gates is the immediate boost in curb appeal. A well-designed gate becomes a focal point, setting the tone for the entire property.
- Increased Property Value: The aesthetic enhancement provided by decorative gates often translates to increased property value. Potential buyers are drawn to homes with eye-catching entrances.
- Customization Options: Decorative gates offer a plethora of customization options. Homeowners can choose the design, color, and material that best suits their style and preferences.
Installation and Maintenance Tips
- Professional Installation: To ensure the proper functioning and longevity of your decorative gate, it’s crucial to invest in professional installation. Experts can ensure that the gate is level, aligned, and operates smoothly.
- Regular Maintenance: Despite their ornate designs, decorative gates require regular maintenance to preserve their beauty. Periodic cleaning, lubrication of moving parts, and inspections can prevent issues and extend the lifespan of the gate.
Conclusion: Making a Statement with Decorative Gates
Decorative driveway gates go beyond their practical purpose; they make a statement about your home and your commitment to both security and style. Whether you lean towards classic elegance, contemporary chic, or nature-inspired artistry, there’s a decorative gate design that can transform your entrance into a masterpiece. Explore the possibilities, elevate your curb appeal, and let your decorative driveway gate become the crowning jewel of your property.
